January 2009 - Silicon Valley Concierge Association

www.siliconvalleyconcierge.com
January 2009
SAV E THE DATE
TUESDAY
APRIL 14, 2009
SILICON VALLEY
CONCIERGE
ASSOCIATION
PRESENTS
February 3rd - Tuesday
Loft Bar And Bistro–A Capers Place
90 South 2nd Street,
7TH( ANNUAL
THE
HOSPITALITY
AWARDS EVENT
San Jose, CA 95113
HOSTED BY
February 24th - Tuesday
Club Auto Sport,
521 Charcot Avenue
San Jose, CA 95131
408.521.7123
Emile's Restaurant
545 S Second St
San Jose, CA 95112
SAVE THE DATE – JANUARY 31
Holiday
Joy from
SAN JOSE STEALTH
Headliner Productions!
LACROSSE PROFESSIONAL
ARTS CORNER, by Susannah Greenwood of
Special Holiday Entertainment Just for You . . .
LEAGUE
See a lot of movies over the Holidays! Well the arts in Silicon
Valley take lots from blockbusters! Here’s a sampling of
some Tinsel Town influenced events.
Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Edmonton Rush vs. San Jose Stealth
SJ Stealth to giveaway for the first 2,500
Fans, a Stealth Mini Foam Finger
You won’t want to wait to get tickets to the Silver Screen Spectacular in
Los Gatos! On January 31st, renowned movie pianist Frederick Hodges
joins the California Pops Orchestra for a celebration of movie music
from the silent films to the early talkies to the golden age of the movies
through the hits of today. Hold onto your hat as the Pops and Frederick
take you behind the scenes for a look at movie music. For tickets &
info visit http://www.californiapopsorchestra.com
BUT THAT'S NOT ALL...
Before the game, CHECK OUTHenry's Hi-Life Great American
http://www.henryshilife.com/
STARTING JAN. 2, 2009 - $3 PARKING motorists will now find
$3 flat-rate parking after 6 p.m., seven nights a week, at these
facilities:
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Third Street lot between The 88 and Repertory Theater
Market and San Pedro Garage
Third Street Garage
Fourth and St. John lot
Second and San Carlos Garage
San Fernando and Second lot
Fourth Street Garage
First and St. James lot
Second and St. James lot
Pavilion Garage
Stanford Lively Arts brings us a unique way of combining film with
dance and sports! PopAction is the brainchild of Elizabeth Streb and it is
a sight to behold. Unyielding precision, aggressive physicality, and
fearlessness for a performance experience that challenges dance
audiences and thrill-seekers alike. Intertwining the disciplines of dance,
athletics, extreme sports, and Hollywood stunt work into a bristling
muscle-and-motion vocabulary, this choreography is an exploration of
the human body's relationship to gravity and the modern world. January
23rd and 24th only! For tickets & info call 650-725-2787 or visit
http://livelyarts.stanford.edu
Saratoga Drama Group brings a legend to the stage in the Tony
Award-winning musical, The Will Rogers Follies that focuses on the life
and career Will Rogers. Using the Ziegfeld Follies, which he often
headlined, as a backdrop, each episode in his life is performed as a
giant production number. The revue contains snippets of Rogers'
famous homespun style of wisdom and common sense, conveying the
personality of this quintessentially American figure. January 23rd February 21st. For tickets & info call 408-266-4SDG (4734) or visit
http://www.saratogadramagroup.com
San Jose Jazz Series
AT A GLANCE...
You are cordially invited to
our Manager’s Reception
What: 21st Annual Sunday Jazz Series, presented by
San Jose Jazz
Dates: Sundays from January 18 through March 22 (no
show on February 1)
Time: 2pm to 4pm
Location: The Improv, 62 S. 2nd St., San Jose
Tickets:
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Tuesday Feb. 10, 2009 - at 6:00 pm
Bristol Hotel
3341 S Bascom Ave.
San Jose, Ca.
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Subscriptions: (Save $!)
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From San Jose Airport: - Follow the signs to Highway 17/880
South. Stay on 17/880 South about 3 miles and exit Camden
Avenue. Go left at the light to Bascom Avenue. Make a right onto
Bascom. Go 1/2 block to hotel on right side.
From Highway 280: - Take 280 to Highway 17/880 South. Stay on
17/880 South about 2 miles and exit Camden Avenue. Go left at the
light to Bascom Avenue. Make a right onto Bascom. Go 1/2 block to
hotel on right side
RSVP by Feb.8th
Anthony Aguilar at:
svcaemail@yahoo.com
$30 ($20 for students and SJJ members)
For Kim Nalley's show: $40 ($30 for students
and SJJ members)
At the Improv Box Office: 62 S. Second St.,
408-280-7475
Online, www.symfonee.com/improv/sanjose.
Mini-subscription (4 concerts - you save $10):
$120 ($80 students and members)
Season Subscription (9 concerts - you save
$30): $240 ($160 students and members)
On the phone: 408-288-7557 x2335 -weekdays from 9 to 5
Open Your Hearts
RAIN FOREST WEEKENDS AT
ROARING CAMP
January 3 – March 29 (weekends only)
Learn about California’s own rain forest…its forests of
coastal redwoods. Roaring Camp is offering weekend
excursions of the Rain Forest by rail January 3 to March 29.
Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains just a few miles
from the ocean, the forest flourishes in moderate temperatures
and a year-round water supply provided by frequent Pacific
systems and dense fog.
Roaring Camp CEO Georgiana Clark says, “In winter,
California’s rain forest is most dramatic. Storms whip branches;
foliage glistens; and the air is filled with the aroma of California
bay laurel and tanbark oak.”
As guests ride at branch level through a virgin forest by
steam train, fascinating information about the California coastal
redwoods and forest eco-system is revealed.
Trains operate Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 pm
from January 3 through March 29th. Tickets are $19.50 adult,
$13.50 child (3-12 years). Parking is $7.
Roaring Camp is in Felton, six miles north of Santa
Cruz. Exit State Route 17 at Mt. Hermon Road left at Graham
Hill Road, then ½ mile to the entrance. For information, call
(831) 335-4484 or visit www.roaringcamp.com.
THE FAIRMONT LAUNCHES
VALENTINE’S DAY PAJAMAS DRIVE
FOR NEEDY KIDS
Friday, February 13, from 6am to 10am
Give Love. Give Joy. Give Pajamas. The Fairmont San Jose
offers an opportunity for the children of San Jose’s Pajama
Program to be warm, cozy and loved.
Drop off a brand new pajama at the Fairmont San Jose on
Friday, February 13 as the hotel launches a warming and loving
trend: a pajama drive for kids. All sizes of pajamas needed and
appreciated, but there is a special need for teen-sized pajamas
(Adult Small through Adult Extra Large).
Pull your car up to the Fairmont’s curbside and the hotel’s
staff will deliver some freshly baked heart-shaped cookies. All
donations of new pajamas for the San Jose’s and the Bay
Area’s Pajama Program will be greatly appreciated. Checks
written to Pajama Program will be welcome as well.
The community advocates and/or guest that drops off the
100th pair of PJ’s will receive a “sleepover” for two at the
Fairmont San Jose, (one night complimentary stay), two cozy
pajamas, two Fairmont bathrobes, two Fairmont pairs of
slippers, and a breakfast for two in bed delivered and served by
the Fairmont Hotels’ general manager. Two Fairmont teddy
bears and a box of the Fairmont’s Silicon Valley Chips Cookies
will be a going away “Thank you” gift at their departure.
Pajama Program, a national non-profit organization with the
Bay Area chapter headquartered in San Jose, provides comfort
and love in the way of new pajamas to children-in-need and
children waiting for a permanent home. They are youngsters
who do not know the comforts of a mother or father to tuck them
into a cozy bed and read them a bedtime story. Many have
been abandoned or abused, most deprived of any love at all.
“By providing pajamas we help to create a warm and nurturing
bedtime environment for vulnerable youngsters living under
difficult circumstances” says Pallie Zambrano, attorney-at-law
and co-president of Northern California chapter.
Amusing America – Online Exhibits
Crowd at Playland – San Francisco
http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/news/onlineexhibits/amusing/playland.htm
This is the second annual of The Fairmont San Jose’s
commitment to the Pajama Program. “Our partnership program
simply puts a framework in place that allows our hotel to
contribute to the community, and make a meaningful difference
to children in need,” says Cyril Isnard, Fairmont’s General
Manager. “This one is from the heart and the Valentine’s Day is
the perfect time to share the joy of love and caring. Our
employees have embraced the idea with enthusiasm and are
looking forward to collect many new and warm pajamas for the
children of the Bay Area.” www.pajamaprogram.org
It is great to be associated and choose from many professional
businesses, venues, restaurants, and attractions throughout our
region.
Swimming with the Sharks at the Tank!
When you are in San Jose (CA) this title has a totally different meaning. If you
stop a person on Almaden Blvd. and ask “how are the sharks?” The reply will be
an enthusiastic one talking about our Ice Hockey team.
I don’t know about you, I am tired of the doom and gloom in the news of recent.
I now search for positive news stories to employ into this New Year 2009. There
is still much to be grateful with 2009.
Let’s share as a solid community within Silicon Valley Concierges this year. We
already have available to us the excellence in networking, training seminars,
familiarization events, and of course the Hospitality Recognition Event. Do
something unusual this year; call and have coffee and a conversation with one of
the many outstanding SVCA Board Members about upcoming events.
As a professional On-Site Manager, I enter many different outstanding venues
around the Silicon Valley region. Most recent, I mention the high degree of
professionalism I received with HP Pavilion last month. This is a unique place
for a meeting; and HP Pavilion presented excellence of service.
Current events listed for HP Pavilion in 2009 are:
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Harlem Globetrotters (January)
Stars on Ice (January)
Disney’s High School Musical – The Ice Tour (February)
Britney Spears (April)
HP Pavilion (or the Shark Tank)
http://www.hppsj.com/staff_operations/clientsfaq.asp
408.287.7070
525 West Santa Clara St
San Jose CA 95113
Donna West, Lighthouse Tours
(408) 244-7325
Yes, this place known to many of us with the nickname of the “Shark Tank”, HP
Pavilion has much to offer. This is a gigantic facility and the main tenant is the
San Jose Sharks; and is also home to major events in our region.
(Length - 425 by 425 feet; Height -117 feet; Internal Space - 450,000 square
feet, Concrete; space frame steel truss; ribbed stainless steel siding; 10-story
glass pyramid entry as included from the HP Pavilion website).
Have you thought about planning a memorable meeting at the HP Pavilion? Yes,
there is meeting space available. This particular meeting was held in the Rink
Side Room (below the ice level) where the home and visiting teams suit up
before games. Be sure to wear a sweater or jacket should you need to stand in
the hallway, as it does get chilly.
The room was very warm and spacious. The food and beverage service
arranged by Aramark was exceptional. And, the service by the managers,
facilitators and concierge attendants at the HP Pavilion was fabulous. An
outstanding finale after this afternoon meeting included a win by the home team.
Remember this very unique idea and great venue to have a meeting. Hats off!
To the HP Pavilion!
2009 SAP OPEN
FEBRUARY 9-15
HP PAVILION AT SAN JOSE
The biggest names compete for one of the biggest prizes on the
West Coast. It's time for the 2009 SAP Open Tennis
Tournament, where for more than 120 years the elite of men's
tennis have battled for bragging rights and big money. This
year is no exception with one of the best fields in the
tournament's history including Andy Roddick, James Blake,
Juan Martin Del Potro, Lleyton Hewitt, The Bryan Brothers,
Tommy Haas, Kei Nishikori, Mardy Fish plus a Monday night
exhibition match between the legendary Pete Sampras and fanfavorite James Blake. Get tickets now for big fun with the big
shots.
Tickets go on sale to the public on Monday, January 12 at
10:00AM at the HP Pavilion Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster ticket
centers, by phone at 408.998.TIXS, 415.421.TIXS or online at
Ticketmaster.com.
http://funtourguru.blogspot.com/2008/07/i-returned-from-my-owninternational.html For your pleasure reading when you have a
moment. I wrote this in July. Have fun reading! Ciao!
Opera San José
The School for Lovers:
Mozart’s Così fan tutte
Thrills and Grills at Kyoto Palace
-fest
Much, much more than
merely funny……..
Photo by Chris Ayers
Opera San José presents a Valentine’s treat with Così fan tutte,
a sparkling comedy with serious undertones from Wolfgang Amadeus
Mozart. Eight performances are scheduled from February 7 through 22 at
the California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San José.
According to Mozart and his librettist, Lorenzo da Ponte, when it
comes to women, così fan tutte—“so do they all”—meaning, none of them
can resist temptation. Mozart even put his own wife in this category,
though he himself was far from faithful. And da Ponte—a master of cooleyed observation, rhyme and meter, and dramatic irony—always referred
to the opera by its subtitle, The School for Lovers. It is the story of two
smug, young officers who accept a bet from a skeptical, old bachelor to
test their girlfriends’ faithfulness.
Such cynicism pitted against naiveté is what gives this enigmatic
comic gem its serious edge. In a richly layered confection full of hilarious
antics, crazy disguises, and timelessly beautiful music, we are also given
insightful comments on infidelity, vanity, and the unpredictability of the
human heart. The world is turned upside down for these four young lovers,
and generations of audiences since 1790 have been left wondering if the
right couples wind up together in the end.
Dates:
February 7, 8m, 12, 14, 15m, 17, 20, 22m
Time:
“m” indicates matinee at 3 p.m.; all other performances are at 8 p.m.
Location: California Theatre, 345 South First Street between San Carlos and San
Salvador streets, downtown San José (www.operasj.org)
Experience San Francisco sightseeing from a duck’s eye view on
the best San Francisco duck tour. Travel on land and water in an
amphibious vehicle crafted from the WW II DUKW. RIDE through
San Francisco’s historic streets and neighborhoods. SPLASH down
into the bay and cruise McCovey Cove. QUACK along with the
Captain as he en-tour-tains you with stories of past and present.
Drive the duck if you want! The only duck tour in San Francisco with
the famous Wacky Quackers™.
Check out www.sanfranciscoducks.com
It’s not every day that you can enjoy dinner and an exciting
show at the same time, but this added dividend is part and
parcel of your experience at Kyoto Palace, a Japanese
steakhouse in Campbell. Here, chefs slice, dice and toss
dinner in front of your eyes on hibachi grills while adding
their own comedic touches, making it a perfect choice for
parties large and small.
Tucked away on the second floor of the Pruneyard
Shopping Center, Kyoto Palace has been a favorite
destination for more than 30 years—not only because of
its attractive location, but also because of its unique
atmosphere and delicious food.
Tables surround flat, six-foot long teppan grills, seating
eight people and creating a communal feel. The lively
atmosphere is immediately apparent as you enter the
dining room, with patrons laughing and snapping photos,
the wait staff singing “Happy Birthday,” and the musical
cling-clang of cooking tools against the iron grills.
Portions are generous, so come ready to feast. Start with a
“Kyoto-tini” from the bar—the Razberi Kamikaze is a good
one—and something from sushi menu. The Dragon Roll,
with buttery avocado, shrimp tempura, cucumber and eel,
is exceptionally good.
To get the full Kyoto treatment, try a Palace Special, which
includes soup, salad, vegetables, rice and ice cream or
sherbet. You can’t go wrong with the Kyoto Special,
featuring a succulent lobster tail, juicy filet mignon, and
tender scallops, or the Seafood Delight, with grilled shrimp,
scallops and calamari. Tip: Although entrees come with
white rice, spring for the fried rice—it’s one of the most
popular items.
The food may be a highlight, but it’s the cooks who really
steal the show. Expect your chef to show off with tricks
such as drawing pictures with egg yolks, tossing bits of
food into your open mouth with a spatula, juggling cooking
utensils, and arranging onion rings into smoking
volcanoes. The show is so entertaining that you almost
don’t want him to finish cooking.
The fun need not end after dessert. On Wednesdays,
karaoke adds to the entertainment. On other nights, you
can enjoy an after-dinner drink in the lounge. Either way,
you’ll leave Kyoto Palace with a smile on your face and
fond memories in your mind.
Hours:
Mon-Fri, 11:30-2 & 5-10;
Sat, 11:30-10; Sun, 11:30-9
location:
Pruneyard Shopping Center,
1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell
More info:
408/377-6456
www.kyotopalace.com
Happy New Year 2009 to all our sponsors, members, readers, and contributors!
May it ring in better times for all of us. After all, the year 2008 has been a rude
awakening and a reality check for those who thought that the world economy was
‘basically sound’ and only needed to be ‘tweaked’ to get back on track. This vastly
optimistic view has since been corrected and 2009 will be a testing ground for the
free market system and for our resilience in these uncertain times.
I just received the December 2008 issue of M & C – Meetings and Conventions
magazine and one article in particular attracted my attention. It is written by Sarah
J.F. Braley under the heading: ‘Job Market: Opportunity Slows’. While it focuses
primarily on the job opportunities for Meeting Planners, it applies in many ways to
Concierges and anybody in the hospitality industry. Cited in the article is Dawn
Penfold of Meetingjobs.com, a New York City based international recruitment firm.
“This is the worst I’ve ever seen it” and “There’s just nothing out there” says Ms.
Denfold. She is seconded by Sheryl Sookman Schelter, CMP, who runs the
“Meeting Connection” in Novato, CA.
These and other similar statements are followed by war-stories, many of which
seem eerily familiar to many of us.
So, does this mean doom and gloom for the Concierge Profession? I don’t think so.
In my opinion, much of it has to do with our attitude, preparedness, seeing the glass
half full rather than half empty, and flexibility. It is true that many employers choose
to hire contractors rather than full-time employees in order to cut costs. Many also
assume that Concierges’ contributions are hard to measure and can be assumed
by front-desk staff in these days of reduced occupancies and the need to reduce
fixed costs.
While there is no question that the year 2009 will continue to see economic
contractions, increased unemployment, and corporate directives to cut costs, you
should look at the glass as being half full. A positive mental attitude, whether you
are looking for a job or whether you are showing your management your
contribution to the company’s goals, will always serve you well.
Following are some pointers on how to prepare for, or survive in these trying times.
Penfold and Schelter call it “Hanging On” and I have added my own suggestions:
 Your job might be cut, so have your resume ready
 Don’t be too dependent on your work computer and your work e-mail
 If you’re at a stable organization make yourself the internal expert. You
want to be the last person to go. Update your repertoire for your guests!
 Network, network, network. (This is where your membership in the
SVCA comes in handy. You may also want to read “What color is your
parachute?” – a quintessential ‘How to’ on job search!)
 When evaluating opportunities, be flexible: Open up your geographic
range, adjust your salary expectations and take contract work if you can
get it.
 Be ready to switch from the hospitality industry to a corporate or
residential environment. The requirements are not much different.
Hopefully, you will be spared from having to market yourself in this, admittedly
challenging, and environment. Rest assured that, like in all other segments of the
job market, a broad skills base backed by experience and interpersonal skills will
make you succeed!
GUS HOLWEGER gusholweger@comcast.net
This segment in the Valley Access Magazine is being
revived. There are various reasons for this: For one, we
want to welcome new members to the SVCA and let their
fellow members know who they are. Secondly, since we are
all busy and cannot attend the many functions planned and
organized, it is a short cut to give the membership a glimpse
of a new member’s background and experience. Finally,
and most importantly, it is a first step toward networking – a
key resource for SVCA members.
Having said this let me introduce to you:
Autumn D. Gutierrez, Marketing Manager,
Children’s’ Discovery Museum San Jose
SVCA held its 2008 Award Ceremony at the Children’s’
Discovery Museum and it was a resounding success. It
preceded Autumn’s tenure at this wonderful destination on
Woz Way in San Jose.
However, Autumn is well known in San Jose through her
twelve years-plus involvements in a variety of civic activities
and projects. She has served as Director of Community
Relations, Director of Development and Communications
and Volunteer Coordinator at Inn Vision the Way Home; is a
Board Member of the Evergreen Community College
District, and is affiliated with many San Jose organizations
such as the United Way Silicon Valley; the City of San Jose
Public Safety GO Bond Citizen Oversight Committee; the
S.J. Strong Neighborhoods Initiative Project Advisory
Committee; and the Mayor Chuck Reed Transition Advisory
Committee to name but a few…
..
Autumn Gutierrez’ joining the Children’s’ Discovery Museum
San Jose as Marketing Manager is further proof of Autumn’s
commitment to maintaining San Jose’s moniker as Capital
of Silicon Valley. Her enthusiasm, energy and – above all –
her connections with key San Jose leaders and institutions
will be a welcomed and significant addition to the Children’s
Discovery Museum.
SVCA welcomes Autumn Gutierrez as a new
member and wishes her much success in her new
position.
GUS HOLWEGER gusholweger@comcast.net
Winter Wonders
The cold season brings migrating ocean mammals to the California
Pacific coast, providing fascinating close-up views.
Gray whales make their annual migratory trip from the frigid Artic
feeding grounds to the lagoons of sunny Baja, where breeding and
nursing occur. The 12,000-mile, three-week trip is the longest
migration of any mammal, and is made by an estimated 15,000
whales. They begin heading south in December, and start their return
in March. Their route traces the California coastline, providing ample
chances to spot them.
The best way to see them up close is by boarding a charter boat. You
don’t have to travel far offshore at all before you’re in the midst of
their route, and you can often catch the whales playing and
interacting with each other. You may see one breach, or leap out of
the water, landing with a massive splash. The gray whale’s blow can
be as high as a staggering 15 feet, and you’ll usually get to see the
above-water roll of their massive tail flukes before each dive. It’s an
exhilarating experience to be on the ocean alongside these mammoth
animals.
You might also be able to spot the whales from land. The cliffs
between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay offer numerous viewing
sites. Bundle up with warm clothes and find yourself a relaxing spot to
enjoy a picnic while watching out for whales.
Elephant seals come ashore during the December–March breeding
season at Año Nuevo—the world’s largest on-shore elephant seal
rookery. Thousands colonize the sand dunes here; it’s your best shot
at catching a close-up view of these impressive creatures, as they
spend most of the year in the ocean. The males, who are the first to
arrive, begin fighting aggressively to determine the social hierarchy
that will govern their breeding activities. (The biggest, toughest bulls
will be rewarded with their pick of the most alluring females for their
harems.) The females show up shortly thereafter, first to give birth to
the pups they conceived during their last trip. Wasting no time, the
new mating cycle begins almost immediately thereafter. And the
adults aren’t the only ones in a hurry either—newborn seals grow
from 75 to 350 pounds in less than a month. By March, most of the
adults head north, while the youngsters stick around until April.
Three-mile naturalist-led walking tours are the only way to see the
seals at this time of the year; reservations are required.
Whale Watching
From
Half Moon Bay:
The Oceanic Society, a nonprofit conservation organization, offers
naturalist-led whale-watching trips from Pillar Point Harbor in Half
Moon Bay (800/326-7491). Also try Riptide Sportfishing (888/7478433) or Huck Finn Sportfishing (650/726-7133).
From Santa Cruz:
Chardonnay Cruises offers a naturalist-led whale watching charter.
831/423-1213. Also try Pacific Yachting & Sailing (831/423-SAIL or
800/374-2626) or Stagnaro’s (831/427-2334).
Elephant seal tours
Año Nuevo State Reserve is located almost midway between Half
Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. For more info, call 650/879-0227. For tour
reservations, call 800/444-4445.
On January 26th, the year of the rat scurries away and the year of the ox
comes charging
in as the Bay Area celebrates the Lunar New Year. One of
www.dinahshotel.com
twelve Chinese zodiac symbols, the humble ox represents prosperity
through strength, fortitude and hard work—not a bad start to 2009.
Here’s a roundup of the colorful festivals, shows and events going on in the
area that not only honor this venerable, age-old tradition, but also Asian
culture in general.
-Jan 3: New Century Dance presents Nutcracker in China. Worlds away
from The Nutcracker you know, this Chinese dance drama recounts 5000
years of China’s history, culture and beauty. 3 & 7pm. (Mountain View:
Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St.; 650/903-6000)
Jan 13-15: Divine Performing Arts presents Chinese New Year
Spectacular. Celebrate the year of the ox with this extraordinary show,
featuring traditional dances, performers in exquisite costumes, thunderous
drummers and more. 7:30pm; extra show at 2:30pm on Wed. (Cupertino:
The Flint Center for the Performing Arts, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd.;
408/864-8816)
Jan 17-18: Tet Festival San Jose. Ring in the Vietnamese new year with
this colorful annual festival, which boasts three stages of live
entertainment; exhibitors; photograph, bonsai and arts and crafts displays;
sports demonstrations; traditional ceremonies; and more. Starts at 11am.
(San Jose: San Jose Convention Center, South Hall, 435 S. Market St.;
408/295-9210; www.hoitetfairgrounds.org)
Jan 18: National Acrobats of China. One of the most influential acrobatic
troupes in the world, these performers amaze with their physical abilities
and flashy costumes. 7:30pm. (Campbell: Heritage Theater, 1 W. Campbell
Ave.; 408/866-2700)
HAPPY NEW YEAR – YEAR OF THE OX
Jan 23-Feb 8: Chinese New Year Carnival and Parade. San Francisco
comes alive with festivities, including the Chinese New Year Carnival (Jan
23–Feb 8) at Walter U. Lum Place, complete with games, an arcade, food
stands and more. The highlight of the celebration is the Southwest Airlines
Chinese New Year Parade (Feb 7), a San Francisco tradition since the
1860s. Here, you’ll see colorful, elaborate floats, beautiful costumes,
hundreds of performers. stilt walkers, Chinese acrobats and exciting lion
dances. Carnival: daily, 10-10; Parade: Feb 7, 5:30-8pm. (Carnival: Walter
U. Lum Place between Washington & Clay Sts.; Parade: Market and
Second Sts. to Kearny & Jackson Sts.; 415/986-1370)
Jan 28, Feb 4, 11 & 18: Chinese New Year Banquet. A feast for the senses
awaits you at Chef Chu’s, with an elaborate multi-course meal featuring
delectable Mandarin delicacies and a special wine tasting and pairing
event with Cupertino’s own Ridge Winery. Chef Lawrence Chu himself will
be on hand to emcee the event, which promises to be a lively one.
Cocktails start at 6:30; dinner begins at 7pm. (Los Altos: 1067 N. San
Antonio Rd.; 650/948-2696)
Jan 31-Feb 1: Lunar New Year Celebration. The Children’s Discovery
Museum offers kids and parents an exciting glimpse into Asian cultures
with this fun event, which includes hands-on traditional crafts, educational
displays about the meaning of the Lunar New Year, and colorful live
performances. Sat, 10-5; Sun, 12-5. (San Jose: San Jose: 180 Woz Way;
408/298-5437) v
--Stephanie Soong
Discover Silicon Valley Magazine
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OUR SPONSORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Airship Ventures
www.airshipventures.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Mori Mandis
President
svconcierge@mindspring.com
Artsopolis
www.artsopolis.com
Chateau Marie Antoinette Wines
www.cmawines.com
Children’s Discover Museum of
San Jose
www.cdm.org
Clarion Hotel San Jose Airport
www.clarionsj.com
Anthony Aguilar, V.P.
Director of Communications
& Membership
svcaemail@yahoo.com
Director of Administration
Marianna Khienkina
Marianna.Khienkina@sanjoseca.gov
David Erskine
Director of Finance
derskine@dinahshotel.com
Randy Zechman
Director of Marketing
randyZ@world2do.com
Dinah’s Garden Hotel
www.dinahshotel.com
Discover Silicon Valley Magazine
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E&O Trading Company
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El Paseo Limousine
www.elpaseolimo.com
Garden Court Hotel of Palo Alto
www.gardencourt.com
Gilroy Visitors Bureau
www.gilroyvisitor.org
Guglielmo Winery
guglielmowinery.com
JoMar Labs
www.jomarlabs.com
Advisors to the Board
Shozo Kagoshima
Winchester Mystery House
Anna Morris
Past President
Hyatt Regency – Santa Clara
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Shawna Dedrick
Lynn Dyche
Linda Edvenson
Nathan Emmett
Gus Holweger
Maria Lange
Jeffrey Phillips
Lillian Scoyen
Missy Singer
Victor Solanoy
June Suzuki
Donna West
SVCA Membership
Los Altos History Museum
www.losaltoshistory.org
Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce
www.morganhill.org
Royal Coach Tours
www.Royal-Coach.com
Santa Clara CVB & Chamber of
Commerce
www.santaclara.org
San Jose CVB
www.sanjose.org
Silicon Valley Tour Guides Association
www.svtourguides.com
Silvercreek Sportplex San Jose
www.silvercreeksportsplex.com
SVCA Member
$50.00
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER
Mori Mandis
svcaconcierge@yahoo.com
Susannah Greenwood (Arts Corner)
www.artsopolis.com
DISCOVER SILICON VALLEY MAGAZINE
christine@explorepublishing.com
Gus Holweger (Insiders' Track)
gusholweger@comcast.net
Marianna Khienkina,
Redevelopment City of San Jose
Marianna.Khienkina@sanjoseca.gov
Donna West (Off the Beaten Path)
Lighthouse Travel & Tours
www.lighthouse-tours.com
SVCA Web-site
www.SiliconValleyConcierge.com
Convention Information Site:
San Jose McEnery Convention Center
and Cultural Facilities
(408) 277-5277
www.sjcc.com/
Santa Clara Convention Center
www.santaclara.org/conventioncenter/cal
endar.cfm
Contact Information & Dues:
Anthony Aguilar
V.P. Communication & Marketing
65 Washington Street #113
Santa Clara, CA 95050
E-Mail: svcaemail@yahoo.com
Your Personal Concierge
www.pattianderson.com
E-MAIL: SVCONCIERGE@MINDSPRING.COM
DEADLINE TO SUMBIT ARTICLES FOR E-MAGAZINE, IS THE LAST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH